BMW announces renewed focus on electro-mobility

BMW has announced a new strategy that sees a renewed focus on electro-mobility and the expansion of its electric ‘i’ range.

To mark its 100 anniversary, the German manufacturer has launched ‘Strategy Number one > Next’ which it claims will lead BMW into a ‘new era’ that will permanently ‘transform and shape’ the entire sector.

Under this new strategy BMW will introduce the BMW iNext. Sparse details have been released regarding the new model, but the manufacturer has that that it will stand as a ‘symbol of our technology leadership’ and will demonstrate how we will bring the future of mobility into series production’.

In addition to the iNext model, BMW confirmed that it is working on a plug-in hybrid Mini and will have seven iPerformance models in its range from 2016 onwards, including the new open-top BMW i8 roadster.

Another component of the strategy is ‘Project i 2.0’, which will see BMW work to develop autonomous driving solutions.

As part of Project i 2.0, the manufacturer will place a focus on high definition digital maps, sensor technology, cloud technology and artificial intelligence, with the aim of becoming a market leaders in this segment.

Klaus Fröhlich, member of the Board of Management responsible for development, said: “Our focus is clear: we are securing the BMW Group’s position as technological market leader. With project i 2.0 we will lead the field of autonomous driving. We will turn research projects into new kinds of industrial processes, bringing future technology onto the road.“
 
With some intelligent features currently available in the new 7 series, BMW has plans to roll out the technology across other models in the coming years, with the iNext planned to be the new ‘benchmark’ in this area.

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